Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe guarantees a flavorful and satisfying meal. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to master this classic dish, from selecting ingredients to plating like a pro.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Crispy and Juicy: The perfect balance of crispy breading and tender chicken.
- Rich and Savory: A delicious combination of marinara sauce and melted cheese.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Customizable: Try different variations to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- Place flour in a shallow dish.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs with milk until combined.
- In a third bowl, mix Italian breadcrumbs, panko, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
5. Make the Marinara Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add marinara sauce, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange fried chicken breasts over the sauce.
- Spoon more marinara sauce on top of each piece.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over each chicken breast.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden-brown cheesy crust.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Double breading adds more crunch; dip the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs twice.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even crispiness.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Let the chicken rest before serving to lock in juices.
Variations and Customizations
- Baked Chicken Parmesan: Skip frying and bake breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan
- Pasta: Classic spaghetti or penne tossed in marinara sauce.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Bread: Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette.
- Salad: Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Parmesan
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers everything you love about the classic dish: crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you stick to the traditional method or try a variation, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Give it a try and enjoy restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan at home!
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Description
Crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken cutlets smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—this Chicken Parmesan is a restaurant-quality dish made easy at home. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion, this Italian classic is packed with flavor and can be paired with pasta, salad, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Breading:
For Frying:
For the Sauce & Topping:
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Set Up the Breading Station
- Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, and basil. Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in the egg, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere.
Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each breaded chicken cutlet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the fried chicken cutlets in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot with pasta or a side salad.
Note
- For extra crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- To make it healthier, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying at 200°C for 20 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes.
crispy, easy, homemade, Italian, comfort food
